By Adam Frisk Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Royal Canadian Legion launched its annual poppy campaign on Saturday (Oct. 24), in a slight break from previous yearly traditions.
The start of the 2026 campaign marked a structural change with the Royal Canadian Legion Dominion Command, the national headquarters based in Ottawa, announcing that moving forward, the poppy campaign will begin on Oct. 24 and run through Nov. 11, regardless of the day of the week. Historically, the national campaign began on the last Friday of October, which caused the start date and campaign duration to fluctuate each year.
“It finally came from command that they’re going to change it so it’s always going to start on the Oct. 24 to Nov. 11, no matter what day it falls on,” Donald Stairs, poppy chair for Branch 129 in Haliburton, said.
Stairs said volunteers rolled up their sleeves to prepare campaign materials despite the new start date falling on a Saturday this year.
“We had quite a crew here yesterday to get things organized and getting things going,” Stairs said.
Volunteers were busy packing and distributing donation boxes to 111 local business locations across Haliburton, leading up to the start of the campaign. Stairs said volunteers will be stationed outside of 10 retail locations in town, including Tim Hortons, Foodland and The Independent, with an 11th location hosted by local cadets.
The legion member said there will also be a digital tap-to-donate option alongside traditional cash donation boxes.
While more than 40 community members signed up to assist this year, Branch 129 is asking for additional volunteers to help cover shifts outside local stores.
“We’re a little short on people to campaign… We’re always looking for more,” Stairs said. The money raised during the campaign stays locally and is kept separate from general legion operations.
The money is held in trust to support Haliburton veterans, their families facing hardship, help cover costs for food, shelter, prescription medication, medical equipment, and accessibility modifications, Stairs explained.
Funds also support youth education initiatives, local cadet units, and the branch’s annual veterans dinner, which will take place on Nov. 8.
Stairs, who recently retired to Haliburton and stepped into the poppy chair role in his second year with the branch, said leading the campaign is deeply personal..
“My grandfather was in the air force, so I have a personal connection to why I jumped in to help out,” Stairs explained. “This is for our vets. We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them… In my eyes, this is a big thing and this is what it’s really about.”
He went on to offer a simple reminder of etiquette for residents wearing their poppies ahead of Remembrance Day.
“Always wear it over your heart, on your left lapel.”
